New Elephant Arrives At National Zoo

WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- A new Asian elephant arrived at the National Zoo on Wednesday.

The 37-year-old female elephant, by the name of Bozie, traveled 1,100 miles from the Baton Rouge Zoo to her new home in D.C.

She will be joining three elephants after a 30-day quarantine.

One of whom she used to live with as calves in a wildlife conservation in Sri Lanka, zoo officials said.

"Elephants are equally curious and cautious in meeting a new member of the herd," said Elephant Manager Marie Galloway. "By watching their behavioral cues, we'll be able to determine their comfort level and can move as quickly or slowly as they see fit. Our goal is for Bozie, Shanthi and Ambika to bond and live together as a herd."

The zoo recently finished a $56 million state-of-the-art exhibit that includes an Elephant Community Center and completion of Elephant Trails to better accommodate the animals.

"Social interaction is key to an elephant's mental and physical well-being," said Don Moore, associate director of Animal Care Sciences. "We do everything we can to encourage these natural social bonds. I'm so jazzed for our herd and elephant team!"